Congress Plaza Hotel

3.5 star property
Hotel near Columbia College Chicago in Chicago

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Congress Plaza Hotel

Aerial view
Junior Suite, City View | Living area | TV
Family Suite | Hypo-allergenic bedding, in-room safe, desk, laptop workspace
Lobby
Exterior detail

Reviews

8.0 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Breakfast available
  • Room service
  • Housekeeping
  • 24/7 front desk
  • Bar

Explore the area

Map
520 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL, 60605
  • Buckingham Fountain
    ‪6 min walk‬
  • Millennium Park
    ‪9 min walk‬
  • Grant Park
    ‪16 min walk‬
  • Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.)
    ‪25 min drive‬

Room options

Accessible Standard Room, 2 Double Beds

  • 251 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

Junior Suite, City View

  • City view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

Standard Suite, 1 King Bed, Lake View, Lakeside

  • Lake view
  • 538 sq ft
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

Queen Room, Interior View

  • 194 sq ft
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed

Family Suite

  • 538 sq ft
  • Sleeps 6
  • 1 King Bed and 2 Double Beds

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Lake View

  • Lake view
  • 251 sq ft
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

Standard Room, 2 Double Beds

  • 237 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

Standard Room, 2 Double Beds, Lake View

  • Lake view
  • 251 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

Standard Room, 1 King Bed

  • 278 sq ft
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

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About the neighborhood

Chicago

City center stay.With a stay at this Downtown Chicago hotel, you'll be steps from Auditorium Building and Theatre and Columbia College Chicago. Museum of Contemporary Photography and Spertus Institute of Jewish Studies are also within half a mile (1 km).

What's nearby

  • Buckingham Fountain - 6 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • Art Institute of Chicago - 8 min walk - 0.5 miles
  • Millennium Park - 9 min walk - 0.5 miles
  • Grant Park - 16 min walk - 0.9 miles
  • Soldier Field - 19 min walk - 1.0 mile

Getting around

  • Chicago Van Buren Street Station - 2 min walk
  • Harrison Station - 5 min walk
  • Chicago O'Hare Intl. Airport (ORD) - 37 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪The Lounge At Congress Hotel - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Fontano's Subs - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Epic Burger - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Buddy Guy's Legends - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪Starbucks - ‬5 min walk

About this property

Congress Plaza Hotel

Hotel near Columbia College Chicago in Chicago
There are 2 restaurants on site, along with a coffee shop/café. You can unwind with a drink at one of the 2 bars/lounges. Business amenities include a business center and meeting rooms.

WiFi and wired Internet are free in public spaces. Event space at this hotel measures 50000 square feet (4645 square meters) and includes conference space. A fitness center, a vending machine, and multilingual staff are also featured at the business-friendly Congress Plaza Hotel. For a fee, parking is available.

This Chicago hotel is smoke free.

  • 870 guestrooms or units
  • 14 levels
  • 3 buildings
  • 2 dining venues
  • 2 bars or lounges
  • Meeting rooms
  • 50000 sq ft of conference space
  • 4645 sq m of conference space
  • Built in 1893
  • Business facilities
  • Conference space
  • Breakfast available (surcharge)
  • Dry cleaning
  • Front desk (24 hours)
  • Express check-out
  • Staff is multilingual
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Front-desk safe
  • Concierge
  • Wedding services available
  • Gift shop
  • Beauty salon
  • ATM
  • Onsite shopping
  • Bellhop
  • Elevator
  • No smoking on site
  • Coffee shop
Congress Plaza Hotel offers 870 accommodations with safes and coffee/tea makers. Accommodations offer separate sitting areas. Premium cable television is provided. Bathrooms include shower/tub combinations with deep soaking bathtubs, complimentary toiletries, and hair dryers.

Guests can surf the web using the complimentary wired and wireless Internet access. Business-friendly amenities include desks and phones. Additionally, rooms include irons/ironing boards and blackout drapes/curtains. Hypo-allergenic bedding, change of towels, and change of bedsheets can be requested. Housekeeping is provided daily.

Languages

English, Hindi, Spanish

Similar properties

Property amenities

Family friendly

  • In-room refrigerator

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi and wired internet
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi and wired internet

Parking and transportation

  • Uncovered self parking on site (USD 62 per night)

Food and drink

  • Weekend full breakfast available 6:30 AM to 11:00 AM for a fee: USD 16 to 23 for adults and USD 12 to 18 for children
  • 2 bars/lounges
  • 2 restaurants
  • A coffee shop/cafe

Things to do

  • Bicycle storage
  • Gym
  • Shopping

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Assistive listening devices
  • Elevator
  • Hand-held showerhead
  • Smooth flooring in room
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible business center
  • Wheelchair-accessible gym
  • Wheelchair-accessible lounge
  • Wheelchair-accessible path of travel
  • Wheelchair-accessible public washroom
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk
  • Wheelchair-accessible restaurant

Room amenities

Entertainment

  • TV with premium cable channels

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided
  • Blackout drapes
  • Hypo-allergenic bedding

Bathroom

  • Deep soaking bathtub
  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Shower/bathtub combination
  • Towels provided

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Limited room service
  • Refrigerator
  • Restaurant dining guides

More

  • Air conditioning (climate-controlled)
  • Desk
  • Eco-friendly toiletries
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Laptop workspace
  • LED lighting
  • Phone
  • Recycling
  • Safe
  • Separate sitting area

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime
Early check-in subject to availability
Early check-in fee: USD 49.00
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before noon
Late check-out subject to availability
Late check-out fee: USD 59.00
Express check-out available

Special check-in instructions

Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • No pets allowed, but service animals are welcome

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Kids stay free! Children 17 years old and younger stay free when using existing bedding.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are available for USD 25.0 per day.

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

Guests will be asked to pay the following charges at the property:

  • Deposit: USD 25.00 per night

We've listed all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • Fee for full breakfast: approximately USD 16 to 23 for adults, and USD 12 to 18 for children
  • Uncovered self parking fee: USD 62.00 per night
  • Early check-in fee: USD 49.00 (subject to availability)
  • Late check-out fee: USD 59.00 (subject to availability)
  • An in-room refrigerator is available for an additional fee
  • Rollaway bed fee: USD 25.0 per day

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guestroom reservation
This property accepts credit cards, debit cards, and cash
Safety features at this property include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, a first aid kit, and window guards
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property; the policies listed are provided by the property
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession. The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guestroom reservation. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, Diners Club, Carte Blanche, debit cards, and cash.
    For guests' safety, the property includes a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, a first aid kit, and window guards in each accommodation.

We should mention

  • Children 17 years old and younger stay free in the same room as the parent or guardian when using existing bedding.
  • Registered guests are the only ones allowed to be in guestrooms.

Property is also known as

Congress Hotel
Congress Hotel Plaza
Congress Plaza
Congress Plaza Chicago
Congress Plaza Hotel
Congress Plaza Hotel Chicago
Hotel Congress Plaza
Plaza Congress Hotel
Congress Hotel Chicago
Congress Plaza Hotel Hotel
Congress Plaza Hotel Chicago
Congress Plaza Hotel Hotel Chicago

Frequently asked questions

How close is Congress Plaza Hotel to the airport?

Congress Plaza Hotel is 12 mi (26-min drive) away from the Chicago Midway Airport (MDW) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

How much does it cost to stay at Congress Plaza Hotel?

As of May 31, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Congress Plaza Hotel on Jul 1, 2025 start from $127.4, excluding taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Does Congress Plaza Hotel have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at Congress Plaza Hotel.

How close is Congress Plaza Hotel to the beach?

This hotel is 2.2 mi (8-min drive) from Ohio Street Beach and 2.6 mi (8-min drive) from Oak Street Beach. Don't forget your sunscreen!

Does Congress Plaza Hotel offer free breakfast?

Free breakfast isn’t offered at Congress Plaza Hotel, but full breakfast is offered for a fee of between USD 16 and 23 for adults, USD 12 and 18 for children.

Is there a casino at Congress Plaza Hotel?

No, there is no casino at this hotel, but Bally's Casino Chicago (2-min drive) is nearby.

What time is check-in at Congress Plaza Hotel?

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime. Early check-in costs USD 49.00 (subject to availability).

Is there free parking at Congress Plaza Hotel?

Free parking is not available at this hotel. Self parking is available for USD 62.00 per night.

Does Congress Plaza Hotel have a pool?

Congress Plaza Hotel does not have a pool.

Does Congress Plaza Hotel have a restaurant?

Yes, there are 2 restaurants on site.

Does Congress Plaza Hotel have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this hotel.

How close is Congress Plaza Hotel to downtown Chicago?

Congress Plaza Hotel is 0.3 mi away from Chicago.

Congress Plaza Hotel Reviews

Reviews

8.0

Very Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 3727 out of 8791 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2429 out of 8791 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1355 out of 8791 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 719 out of 8791 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 561 out of 8791 reviews

8.2/10

Cleanliness

8.4/10

Staff & service

7.4/10

Amenities

7.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

7.4/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

RACHEL, Christiansted

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Old architecture
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

6/10 Okay

Hector, Alexandria

Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

6/10 Okay

Hector, Alexandria

Business traveler
It was not what I expected for the rate per night
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

6/10 Okay

Clifford, ARLINGTON

Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Amy

Traveled with partner
Liked: Amenities
Staff unfriendly
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Genevra

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
We always stay at The Congress and love it! It is clean, affordable, beautiful old building and the staff is always so nice! Our favorite hotel in the city!!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lionel

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
since it’s cheap you’ll always hear teenagers running amok in the hallways but other than that there aren’t many issues.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Alexandra, Deerfield

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I was running a race that started and ended in grant park. This was a perfect location to get there and back after, and the late check out was a bonus
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Linda

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was right where we wanted to be near Grant Park. It was well maintained, clean and quiet. We'll be back for sure.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

4/10 Poor

Sean, Jessup

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Not that it’s under their control really but homeless were just sleeping in the middle of the sidewalk high out of their minds. Had to switch rooms bc the door wasn’t secure.
Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Amanda

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Always my go to

I always love this place.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

8/10 Good

María Laura

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Convenient.
Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tyler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Couples Trip

Was treated with kind professionalism, the only issue was having no control of room temperature. My fiancée and I ended up sweating overnight.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rita Elizabeth May

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Nicole

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

8/10 Good

Anna

Traveled with group, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Views were nice and everything felt very comfortable except for the heating situation in the room. It was hard to sleep with the heat and instructions were not clear on how to fix that.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2025

2/10 Terrible

Michael

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025

2/10 Terrible

Sandra

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
No restaurant on premise - didnt clean my room and i was there 4 nights - w with do not disturb only / had to call to get coffee for my room - wake up call was half hour late so its good my alarm worked Should tell people on site restaurant and room service is closed before letting them book
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2025

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Nice stay

For an older hotel it's still very nice and well kept. Beds are comfortable and water pressure is decent. Water doesn't get very hot but at least warm for winter time conditions
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025

8/10 Good

Lukash

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Personally thought it was cozy, I could see how some snob could be uncomfortable though
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025

8/10 Good

Sammy, Fort Worth

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The property is beyond old, but very reasonable and pretty clean. SO close to everything you want to go to in Chicago. 5 minute walk to Art Institute, an el stop, and a bus picks up in front that will take you everywhere for $5 a day. Don't rent a car in Chicago.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024

8/10 Good

Brandy

Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2025

4/10 Poor

Egor

Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
My entire stay was ruined because the staff and the system didn’t know that the room I stayed in, was connecting to another room, which didn’t make me sleep in the only night that mattered
Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2025

8/10 Good

zachary

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2025